LOT 78

1951 Excelsior 197cc R1 Roadmaster Registration no. LVS 375 Frame no. WTS/1573 Engine no. 268A52899

Sold for £1,380 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 78

1951 Excelsior 197cc R1 Roadmaster

Motorcycles Online - The Summer Sale|15 June 2026, 13:17 BST|Online, Milton Keynes

1951 Excelsior 197cc R1 Roadmaster
Registration no. LVS 375
Frame no. WTS/1573
Engine no. 268A52899

After WW2 Excelsior concentrated on the production of lightweights powered by engines of their own make and those of Villiers. The Roadmaster first appeared in 1949 as the R1 and R2 with the 197cc Villiers 6E engine and direct lighting or battery electrics respectively. Telescopic front forks were fitted but the Roadmaster kept the rigid frame until 1950 when plunger suspension was introduced. Roadmaster R1/R2 production continued until the end of 1954, for the final year using the Villiers 8E engine. The Roadmaster R series continued up to 1957 and then after a short hiatus reappeared in 1959 as the R10/R11. The model was last produced in 1961.

This charming Excelsior lightweight was rebuilt by a previous owner in 1996 using a brand new Villiers 8E engine; acquired for a project that fell through, the engine had remained in its wrappings for 40 years. An R1 (direct lighting) model, this Roadmaster benefits from an external ignition coil conversion, a recognised improvement over the unreliable standard arrangement. Shortly after its restoration's completion, this example was road-tested by Roy Poynting for an article in The Classic Motor Cycle's December 1997 edition (photocopy available). At that time owned by retired dealer Jim Oliver, the machine was on display at the Sammy Miller Museum and had covered only 100 miles since the restoration. The current odometer reading is 394 miles (believed the distance travelled since the rebuild).

The current vendor purchased the Excelsior in 2021, since when it has seen very little use. Last started in March 2026 (see online running video), the machine is offered with a current V5C document; photocopy BMS Running Instructions; MoTs issued in 2001, 2000, 1998, 1997 and 1996; and the aforementioned magazine article.

Key not required

Footnotes

BUYER'S PREMIUM
The Buyer's Premium for this Lot is 15%+VAT on the first £500k of the Hammer Price, and 12%+VAT on the balance thereafter.

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS
Please see the 'CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS' at the top of the main sale page (Motorcycles Online - The Summer Sale) for all pertinent information regarding bidder's obligations, viewing, bidding, payment, post-sale collection & transportation.

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Additional information

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Buyers' Obligations
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Buyers' Premium and Charges
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